Gary McAllister and Leeds United are a match made in heaven, according to former team-mate Mel Sterland.

Former Leeds defender Sterland believes the Scot can steer the club back to the Championship this season and carve out another notch in Elland Road folklore.

Sterland saw enough of McAllister's qualities during their playing days to mark him down as a successful future manager.

The pair played alongside each other for four years in the Leeds side Howard Wilkinson steered to the Football League title in 1992.

Sterland said: "It's a great appointment for both him and Leeds. He's got the job until the end of the season and I'm sure he'll get promotion and earn himself a better deal."

Sterland scoffed at suggestions McAllister was too much of a Mr Nice Guy' to bring the good times back to Elland Road after he succeeded Newcastle-bound Dennis Wise.

Sterland added: "Is he tough enough? Don't be fooled into thinking he's not."